Traxxas Slash Versus Associated SC10

[Jason Sams]

Let the debate rage on! I want your thoughts on whether or not the two trucks should be raced together. I have driven both trucks extensively and have jotted down some of my opinions.

Also, should RC Car Action have a shootout between the Slash and SC10 RTR?

Traxxas Slash (completely stock with pro 2.4 radio system, 2-cell Lipo power)
- easier to drive
- I make fewer mistakes with my Slash (slower steering with stock servo prevents over-steering and infield mistakes in tight corners)
- Seems a bit slower than my SC10 in sweepers and corners (could be due to the higher CG)
Durability (hours and hours of use)
- Ridiculously durable!
- Anchoring screws in the shocks and bumpers come loose often
- Have blown out three shock bladders
- 2 plastic shock caps have stripped off of the shock body
- On third motor (previous two motors were abused!)

Associated SC10 (17.5-turn brushless, XP servo, 2.4 pro radio, 2-cell Lipo power)
- seems quicker in and out of the corners
- super quiet
- more composed on jump landings and easier to get back on the throttle
Durability
- Super tough!
- Broke a front suspension arm after plowing another truck on the
straightaway.
- Rear drive pin has stripped two of my rear wheels (wheelnuts work their way loose)

When drag raced on the straightaway a 17.5/Lipo powered SC10 and a 12-turn (stock)/Lipo Slash are nearly identical in speed.

[WilliamG]

Me, I've owned both. I prefere the SC10 though.

I tell bashers to buy the slash, because it's like those old timex commercials.

the SC10 RTR might very well lose to the slash. Stock SC10 ESC is hit or miss. AE has been good about replacements.

Slash, those traxxas shocks are good for stockers, but they flex hence popping caps and stripping threads when you start really beating on it. If your going to pound on a slash be prepared to buy aluminum big bores.

Slower steering is a plus on these trucks IMHO. Loose tracks are so fun and with low budget radios slower servo is better.

[K_B]

I think it all depends on the local club/track. We run them together on our super blown out, ultra rough track. The Slashes are able to hang with the SC10s in these types of conditions because of their plush suspension and heavier weight.

Even the fastest lap times between stock and mod are within tenths of a second of each other. The track (and tires) are the great equalizer. Now, if you put the two on a So-Cal bluegroove track, then the SC10 has a clear advantage...

[Jim Hustins]

I will find out at our next race. It will be a full day of racing just Short Course trucks and should be a good turn out. The track might race two classes...Spec Slash class with kit electronics and a Roar Short Course class with a 19t / 17.5t motor limit. If they run two classes, I have the same tires on both trucks and I will be able to compare the lap times of each truck. I can already guess the winner (Sc10) but, I will let the numbers speak for themselves.

[Jason Sams]

Thanks for your posts, guys. I will be racing both my Slash and SC10 next week in the same class "Open Short Course" (Slash/SC10). I plan to race one in each of my qualifiers to compare the lap times.

[rccardude04]

If you make less mistakes with your slash because the servo is slower, why don't you put a slower servo in the sc10 and just be faster + just as consistent?

-Eric

[Jim Hustins]

Or slow the steering speed down on your radio.

[rccardude04]

Or slow the steering speed down on your radio.


That too. :D

-Eric

[Jason Sams]

I guess I should have elaborated a little more. I think the Slash is a little easier to drive in general, once set-up. The SC10 is "free" in the corners and can step out or break loose from time to time. The slower stock steering servo is just one aspect that makes it a little easier to drive. I think the SC10 carries more speed in the corners, which requires a faster reaction when it breaks loose. I'll find out more on Thursday when I race both and compare lap times.

[Jason Sams]

I finally had a chance to log lap times with both my Slash and SC10. I TQed with both trucks in each of my qualifying rounds. There were 9 trucks in the class, which was a mix of expert and sportsman racers.

I ran my SC10 in the first qualifier and never really had a "clean" lap. I drove really hard and looped out often. I also got caught up in lap traffic. I am certain that I can go faster with my SC10, especially now that I have completely changed my set-up to gain rear traction.

SC10
Fastest Lap: 29.4 (17.5-turn brushless motor)

In the second qualifier, I ran my Slash. I set the fastest pace of the night with my Slash and put in a really solid run. I didn't make as many mistakes and was able to get through traffic much cleaner.

SLASH
Fastest Lap: 28.8 (stock 12-turn titan)

PS: The top drivers in the 13.5 2WD class were running 26-27 second lap times consistently.

[sebtown]

Also, should RC Car Action have a shootout between the Slash and SC10 RTR?
Yes! :D

[Jason Sams]

Yes! :D

Definitely!

[Jason Sams]

I raced again this past weekend and ran my SC10 exclusively...to try and get it as dialed as possible. I think the track was a bit faster in the main event when I posted my fastest lap times.

SC10 Lap times

Fastest laps during qualifying (28.4)

Fastest single lap during main event (28.0)

I'll race my Slash again next week.

[BriS]

So is there a shootout planned for the short course trucks? I'm planning on getting one for racing, but I'm still deciding if I want to go Spec Slash, get a SC10 (love the realistic looks and have always wanted a T4), or get a Blitz.

[Sorcerer001]

The Slash is still holding it's own at the local track - but I think it's just a matter of time before someone finds the "magic" setup for the SC10 and it'll walk all over the Slash. I think rougher tracks will be the great equalizer - the Slash just seems to work better in those conditions. I've got both, have raced both - the SC10, even with the stock setup, generally feels more planted. Problem is, the steering is very twitchy and inconsistent - which I think may have to do with the weight of that body being thrown around and it's effect on the front end geometry under braking and acceleration. The Slash is just more neutral. My SC10 will feel very planted one lap, and on the next, it feels like a different vehicle.
As cool as the SC10 looks going around the track with the soft stock setup, I'm willing to bet going to something more in line with a base T4 setup would dial it in. The stock tires work well on our sticky clay track (terrible on the loose outdoor track). The Slash just works well out of the box, on track and off.